Cypher/Cat A
CONFIDENTIAL
PRIORITY PEKING то
FOREIGN OFFICE
25 July 1968
Telno 683
CONFIDENTIAL
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 683 of 25 July. Repeated for information to Hong Kong,
135
My telegrams Nos. 676 and 679: Chun Wah School.
The Chinese Press articles on the school seem to be mainly a3 a warning shot and the Communists may not have made up their minds yet whether to apply to register a new school. They will probably be tempted to apply so as not to lose the use of the buildings. On the other hand there is a strong possibility that (as in the case of rice imports) they will refuse to compromise and will demand rescission of order. In that case the issue will become a source of tension for some time to come.
2. Since there is a good chance that Communists have not yet reached a final decision on school, I think it important to make certain that they are fully aware of face-saving nature of our proposal. I am not sure what methods we have used to convey the point in paragraph 1 of your telegram No. 1292 to Hong Kong, but it would seem desirable to do so not only by Press statement as 33reported in Hong Kong telegram No. 899, but also by a word as
as possible with someone reasonably senior in Hong Kong Communist hierarchy. Moreover, since Communists may be genuinely puzzled by our decision to derigister while offering the possibility of a new school on the premises, and may fear a general attack on Communist schools, it would seem worthwhile explaining our basic position that we oppose violence but not well-conducted, peaceful education. If I am called to receive a protest on this subject I shall certainly make this clear.
Foreign Office pass to Hong Kong.
Sir D. Hopson
[Repeated as requested]
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CONFIDENTIAL
HWAMIN
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